Key result
Renal vascular potassium channels regulate renal hemodynamics, salt and water excretion, and blood pressure, highlighting their potential role in pathological conditions such as hypertension.
This review summarizes the mechanisms by which renal vascular potassium channels regulate renal hemodynamics and blood pressure, highlighting their potential role in pathological conditions like hypertension.
Renal vascular potassium channels merit targeted study in hypertension; leaves open clinical translation pending interventional trials.
K(+) conductance is a major determinant of membrane potential (V(m)) in vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) and endothelial cells (EC). The vascular tone is controlled by V(m) through the action of voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels (VOCC) in VSMC. Increased K(+) conductance leads to hyperpolarization and vasodilation, while inactivation of K(+) channels causes depolarization and vasoconstriction. K(+) channels in EC indirectly participate in the control of vascular tone by several mechanisms, e.g., release of nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. In the kidney, a change in the activity of one or more classes of K(+) channels will lead to a change in hemodynamic resistance and therefore of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration pressure. Through these effects, the activity of renal vascular K(+) channels influences renal salt and water excretion, fluid homeostasis, and ultimately blood pressure. Four main classes of K(+) channels [calcium activated (K(Ca)), inward rectifier (K(ir)), voltage activated (K(V)), and ATP sensitive (K(ATP))] are found in the renal vasculature. Several in vitro experiments have suggested a role for individual classes of K(+) channels in the regulation of renal vascular function. Results from in vivo experiments are sparse. We discuss the role of the different classes of renal vascular K(+) channels and their possible role in the integrated function of the renal microvasculature. Since several pathological conditions, among them hypertension, are associated with alterations in K(+) channel function, the role of renal vascular K(+) channels in the control of salt and water excretion deserves attention.
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Sørensen et al. (2011) conducted a review in Renal hemodynamics and hypertension. Vascular potassium channels was evaluated. Renal vascular potassium channels regulate renal hemodynamics, salt and water excretion, and blood pressure, highlighting their potential role in pathological conditions such as hypertension.
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